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Hi its LilyOur next stop on our sri lanka adventure was Polonaruwa. Polonaruwa was the 2nd capital of sri lanka and also the home to many historic Buddhist sites. Like Anuradhapura we visited the sites by bike. However I decided to take the easy option and hop on the motorbike of the local guide. I enjoyed the sites a lot more here and found them a lot more interesting and we didn't spend as long talking about each site. For dinner we visited a beautiful restaurant by the lake with gorgeous views were apparently Queen Elizabeth visited in 1948. We had a lovely meal and me and Laura finally had some meat a nice steak!The next day we drove to Dambulla. The drive was short and we were at the hotel by 10.30. The rooms were not ready so we started morning program. This involved visiting the golden temple. This was a set of Buddhist caves. The caves were stunning and I found the whole setting really gorgeous as it was on top of a hill. Me and Laura were really hot and the other members of our group were taking quite a while to get around 5 caves. Luckily we could go back to the hotel and have lunch and jump in the lovely pool. After our lunch and our quick swim we were off again as we had decided to do the optional activities. Today's options were an elephant ride and a full body massage. The elephant ride was such an experience and its something that you have to do. The ride was an hour and we went through a small village and also through a river. We also had the chance to ride on the elephant's neck, which was scary at first, but you soon get use to it. The massage after the ride was defiantly interesting. I found it very ticklish and laughed quite a bit but once you get over that it was really enjoyable and really relaxing. At the end there was a hot steam bath which looked like a coffin that you lie in so that all the oils are soaked into your body. This was probably the best bit. Dinner was at the hotel and possibly the worst meal I have had so far on the trip as I think I chose really wrong. But I generally do so getting this far without having a bad meal is pretty good. Now Laura will write the rest as this net café were in is to hot and I cannot focus…Hello its Laura now, Lily is moaning about the heat and cant cope with writing anymore!!The following day we had an early start and had to meet the group by 5.45am. We then drove to Sigirya rock and climbed it. It was a half-hour climb and it was totally exhausting (which is why we had to go so early rather than in the sun) but it was worth it as the views from the top were spectacular. Apparently George Bush climbed it and offered to wipe off Sri Lankas debts in order to own it but luckily the Sri Lankan government refused. By the time we got back to the hotel it was still only 9am so we had some breakfast (yes we did climb the rock on an empty stomach!!) and also had a swim as the hotel we were staying in was lovely and had a gorgeous pool.We left the hotel at about 10.30 and set off towards the city of Kandy. We stopped along the way for a lunch of 'Short eats', which were small, spicy and filled with veg, fish or chicken. The only way I can describe them is that they are like samosa's but with different kinds of shell and fillings. They were delicious and perfect for a quick lunch. We also stopped off at a spice garden, which was very interesting. We were shown around all of the different herbs and spices they grew and then given a demonstration of some of the herbal remedies available. We were given a shoulder and neck massage as part of the demonstration which was great and prompted us to buy some of the items in the shop.We arrived mid afternoon at Kandy which was the last capital city of Sri Lanka before Colombo. We had some time to ourselves so we decided to go for a swim. The waiter brought us out two Sprites which we put on the poolside table as we swam. The next thing I knew, Lily was shouting a leapt out of the pool and I turned around to see a monkey drinking one of the Sprites through the straw!! In the evening we were given a demonstration of traditional Kandian dance which was very lively and ended with a finale of fire breathing/walking. We then travelling quickly though Kandy in order to reach the Buddhist Temple of the Tooth. This is a very ornate temple in which Buddhas sacred left tooth is said to be located. It was very interesting to see. There were two types of visitor, the buddhists who were there to pray and deliver offerings, and the tourists who were there to take photos. The temple is only open to visitors for a short period in the evening so it was fairly rushed. However, we had been up since 5.45 and wouldn't have wanted to be there much longer! In the evening we ate at the hotel and lily and I tried the Sri Lankan drink Arrac (lily liked it and I thought it was fowl!) The waiter informed us that the monkey had spoken to him and that we would be paying for the Sprite he had!This morning we left at 7.30am and went to Pinnewala elephant orphanage. It was wonderful to see the elephants roaming around. They are obviously treated very well by the keepers. We took loads of photos (which we will put up once we get the opportunity). We saw them eating and wondering around and then they were taken to a local lake to bathe so we followed and watched that which was fascinating. We are now in Kandy and have the afternoon and evening to ourselves.We hope you are all wellWith lots of love Laura and Lily xx
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